There’s not much that can be done to prevent a series of proposed service cuts to RIPTA, according to the results of an operational efficiency study released today by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. The report, conducted by an independent consultant, shows that RIPTA’s operating costs are comparable to similar transit providers, while administrative […]
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Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Aug. 1, 2025
We like you, we really like you. And if you like us, please consider making a contribution to support public media in Rhode Island. Welcome back to my Friday column. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Local
Ocean State Session: For Jake Blount, folk music is always evolving
If you try to describe the music of Providence-based artist and scholar Jake Blount, chances are you may fall short. And in a few months time, that description could be totally off. He plays the fiddle, banjo, and guitar, and you could say it’s “traditional” or “folk.” But to some people, that might mean something […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Local
What’s on in August at the Community Libraries of Providence
We highlight a few of the many events happening across the Community Libraries of Providence – from a theater workshop in Spanish and English to your chance to make a giant cyanotype image from vintage Apollo mission moon photographs. Plus: the Smith Hill block party.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local, Politics
AG Neronha decision expected to expedite hospital sale
A financing gap delaying the sale of two cash-strapped Rhode Island hospitals is expected to be resolved under a decision announced Thursday by Attorney General Peter Neronha. More than two years have passed since the Atlanta-based Centurion Foundation submitted an application to buy CharterCARE Health Partners, composed mostly of Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence […]
Posted inEducation, Local
Brown University settles with Trump administration to restore research funding
Nearly four months after the Trump administration paused federal research funding to Brown University, the Ivy League school said Wednesday that it reached an agreement with the government to restore that funding. Brown also agreed to settle three open investigations into the university regarding federal nondiscrimination laws, including allegations that Brown didn’t do enough to […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Helena Foulkes hires experienced campaign strategist as she approaches another run for Rhode Island governor
Eric Hyers, who managed a trio of winning political runs for David Cicilline and Gina Raimondo, has signed on as part of expected Democratic gubernatorial candidate Helena Foulkes’ campaign team. Hyers told The Public’s Radio that Foulkes hired his Louisville-based firm, Outperform Strategies, “to help her and her team gear up as she heads toward […]
Posted inLocal, Sports
As rumors swirl around Connecticut’s WNBA team, could Providence be a suitable destination?
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee recently met with an investor who is interested in potentially purchasing the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun and moving them to Providence, according to WPRI. The meeting comes on the heels of reports that the Sun, who play at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., may be up for sale. Morning Host […]
Posted inHealth, Local, Newport Bureau
Birthing center at Newport Hospital to remain open
Brown University Health plans to keep open the birthing center at Newport Hospital — at least for now. The Noreen Stoner Drexel Birthing Center was facing possible elimination due to budgetary challenges for Brown University Health and other healthcare providers in Rhode Island. “We understand the concern surrounding the future of the Noreen Stonor Drexel […]
Posted inEconomy, Immigration, Local
‘Immigrant defense zones’? Here’s what Rhode Island businesses should know
More than two dozen Rhode Island business owners announced a joint effort this month to create what they’re calling “immigrant defense zones,” where they pledge to prohibit immigration enforcement agents from their stores if they don’t have a warrant. The advocacy group the Rhode Island Deportation Defense Coalition says at least 25 businesses have signed […]
